rule of law

American  

noun

1. the principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced; the principle of government by law.

---

Usage

What is the rule of law? The rule of law refers to the idea that everyone in a society agrees to be governed by and follow the laws of a society.

Etymology

Origin of rule of law

First recorded in 1500–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rule of law

That’s a troubling sign for the rule of law.

From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026

A judicial duty explicit in the Constitution, the enforcement of federal statutes is foundational to a nation where every individual, including the president, is subject to the rule of law.

From Slate ● Sep. 16, 2026

"There's no clear standard to make sure that the approach is even grounded in the rule of law," she said.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

But there is something magic about the rule of law in a judiciary that has had nine Justices for a century and a half.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026

And her voice has got something in it this time, like the rule of law, so much so that Matthew flinches a little.

From "The Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness